Introduction

Some folk are famous why not me, I have a certain talent that is plain to see. I make my own clothes including my hats, an array of soft toys, dolls and rag-mats. Curtains, loose covers and cushions galore, I sketch and paint what could I do more. I work conscientiously everyday expressing my thoughts in a poetical way. Why am I not famous I have no wish to be, contentment has always been my policy.
Beryl Down

Miss Beryl Down has written poetry on every subject of everyday life for almost 80 years and, although she is now being cared for in a comfortable residential home for the elderly, she is still putting verse to everything she sees around her today.

Beryl has a wonderful sense of humour,
she can make you cry buckets one minute
and rock with laughter the next!.
Much like Our Gracie used to do!.

Beryl's exceptional poetry about Gracie Fields life - Royalty - Stars of Stage, Screen and Radio - and her own wonderful life, was all written down by her on hundreds of pieces of scrap paper and each one is memorised by this remarkable lady.

Tell her the title of any one of her poems and she will recite it as though she had only just written it even if she had written it seventy six years ago when she wrote her very first poem at the age of six!.

Beryl never got the chance to meet her idol Gracie but she met backstage with Gracie's brother Tommy on many occasions. Although they never met Gracie and Beryl corresponded several times and Gracie certainly had a love in her heart for Beryl.

Christmas card from Gracie to Beryl
with the appropriate Gracie theme
'everyone singing aloud'!.
~~~~~~~~~

This short letter from Gracie says it all.
~~~~~~~~~

"To All Intents And Purposes"

Just like 'Our Gracie' Miss Beryl Down has a loving affection for all children, especially children who's lives are tragically cut short due to illness or misfortune.

The whole purpose of creating this web site is to hopefully raise some much needed funds for Little Bridge House Children's Hospice which is very close to Beryl's heart.

"We opened the doors of our first hospice, Little Bridge House in Barnstaple, in 1995. As the only children's hospice in the South West of England, we support over 200 children and their families. We offer them respite, relaxation, friendship and a sense of community. We can share the 24-hour care of a very sick child and support the family in bereavement.

The demands on Little Bridge House Hospice have increased to the extent that there is a vital need for a second children's hospice. We're hoping to welcome families to our new hospice, Charlton Farm near Bristol, early in 2007, but we need your help to raise the £15 million needed to build, equip and endow it with initial running costs."

It is hoped that the publication of Beryl Down's wonderful poetry to this web site could help this wonderful hospice get nearer to it's goal.

Donations, however small, would be gratefully accepted when sent to;

Emma Puckey,
Legacy Fundraising Manager,
Children's Hospice Southwest,
Little Bridge House, Redlands Road,
Fremington, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31-2PZ. England.
Tel. 01271-325270.

Click anywhere in picture
for insight into the wonderful world of Little Bridge House.
~~~~

Beryl's lifetime of poetry is being published to this web site
on a regular basis in five categories which are entitled :-

"Lancashire Life"
(Scenes from the Twenties and Thirties)
~~~
"Stars In My Eyes"
(Stars of Stage - Screen and Radio)
~~~
"Regally Remembered"
(The Royal Family)
~~~
"Memories Most Precious"
(Beryl's own life)
~~~
"All in Rhyme - The Life of Dame Gracie Fields"
(Beryl's "Masterpiece" as one lady in Brooklyn, New York views it.)
~~~
Also published to this site:
"Beryl's Treasured Photograph Album"
&
"Keedie - A Bright New Star in Beryl's Eyes"
(Keedie is Miss Beryl Down's close, and much admired, neighbour)

Many people and organisations have made it possible for me to greatly enhance this website with top quality photographic images etc. by kindly granting permission to freely use their copyright material. Many other people have generously contributed towards the production of this website. My sincere thanks to you all, your support for the Children's Hospice South West is greatly appreciated.
Dave Haddock

For information on any of the contents of this website

Please e-mail me at the following address:-

[ davehaddock@ourgracie.com ]

I will do my best to assist in any way I can.